Posture control and therapy system

ABSTRACT

A garment for wear by a person and a garment system of garments includes bands and elastic portions to apply tension and support to muscle groups when the garment is worn by a wearer. The garments include a vest with crossed back bands within the garment that are selectively fastenable to the exterior of the vest to exert tension from the shoulders to the hips. Also included is a cape with shoulder straps and hip straps to apply further tension when attached to the vest or another garment. A shirt includes a central back panel and one or more shoulder straps, the central panel extending to side straps at the hip. Shorts with a spiral strap apply tension from the body core to the leg of the wearer. Shirts and tops for women including for maternity wear include support specific to a woman&#39;s body. Some of the shirts, tops, shorts and vests have wearer adjustable straps to vary the tension applied by the straps. Auxiliary straps with fasteners are available for applying additional tension when mounted on the garments.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/863,858, filed Aug. 8, 2013, which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to a garment or device for wearby a person and in particular to a garment or device having portions forselectively applying tension or other sensory information to the body ofthe wearer.

Poor posture results from certain muscles tightening up or shorteningwhile others lengthen and become weak which often occurs as a result ofone's daily activities. When muscle groups lose balance the body cannotalign itself properly. This can lead to distress in the spinal vertebraeand other joints throughout the body. Many physical maladies have beenclinically shown to be increased due to prolonged periods of poorposture.

Furthermore, poor posture is becoming more common and worsened byphysical stressors that are common to modern activities, such ascomputer usage, smart phone usage, carrying heavy bags, driving, playingvideo games, etc., that require prolonged sitting times and abnormalpostures that are literally molding our bodies into an abnormal postureprofile.

For example, in 2011, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery (AAOS)declared “Over 65 percent of upper body injuries, athletic and lifestylerelated, come from repetitive overuse and poor posture. Poor posturejeopardizes every sensory path.”

Many athletic injuries are the result of poor posture. For example, theJournal of Athletic Training, May 2009 Supplement, states “many overheadathletes suffer from shoulder pain due to poor posture.” Overheadathletes are not the only ones at risk. Poor posture injuries can befound everywhere.

The National Institute of Health determined in 2011 that musculoskeletaldisorders and diseases are the leading cause of disability in the UnitedStates and account for more than one-half of all chronic conditions inpeople over 50 years of age in developed countries. The economic impactof these conditions is staggering (approximately $890 billion or 7.7% ofthe Gross Domestic Product), yet they remain under appreciated, underrecognized, and under resourced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Systems and methods, which embody the various features of the invention,are shown in the enclosed drawings.

FIG. 1a is a front view sleeveless shirt-type garment for improving theposture of the wearer according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 1b is a back view of the sleeveless shirt garment of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 2a is an inside view of the sleeveless shirt garment of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 2b is a side panel of the sleeveless shirt garment of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 3a is an exterior view of a cape garment according to a secondembodiment;

FIG. 3b is an interior view of a cape garment of FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 4 is a front view of a short sleeved shirt garment according to athird embodiment, showing a lower portion in exploded view;

FIG. 5 is a back view of the short sleeved shirt garment of FIG. 4,showing selected straps in exploded view;

FIG. 6 is a back view of a short sleeved shirt garment of FIG. 4according to a first variation of the third embodiment, showing ashoulder strap in exploded view;

FIG. 7 is a front view of a shorts garment according to a fourthembodiment;

FIG. 8 is a back view of the shorts garment of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a right side view of the shorts garment of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a left side view of the shorts garment of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11a is a front view and FIG. 11b is a back view of a short sleevedgarment for a woman according to a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a back view of an alternative embodiment the short sleevedgarment of FIG. 11, showing selected straps in exploded view;

FIG. 13 is a front view of a zipper front short sleeved woman's shirt ofa further embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a back view of the embodiment of FIG. 13, showing selectedstraps in exploded view;

FIG. 15 is an internal of the woman's garment of FIG. 13;

FIGS. 16a and 16b are front and back views, respectively, of anembodiment of a posture promoting shirt for men, for example;

FIG. 17 is a front view of a crop top or bra top for women according toanother embodiment;

FIG. 18a is a back view of the crop top or bra top of FIG. 17;

FIG. 18b is a back view of an alternative embodiment of the crop top orbra top of FIG. 17;

FIGS. 19a and 19b are front and rear views of a further embodiment of acape;

FIG. 20 is a front view of a shirt garment for maternity wear;

FIG. 21 is a back view of the maternity wear garment of FIG. 20, showinga strap in exploded view;

FIG. 22 is a front view of a bra portion of the maternity wear garmentof FIG. 20;

FIGS. 23a and 23b are front and back views, respectively, of a woman'ssleeveless pullover garment of a further embodiment, selected strapsbeing shown in exploded view;

FIGS. 24a and 24b are front and back views, respectively, of a woman'ssleeveless zipper front garment of yet a further embodiment, selectedstraps being shown in exploded view;

FIGS. 25a and 25b are front and back views, respectively, of a man's orchild's short sleeve zipper front garment of still another embodiment,selected straps being shown in exploded view;

FIGS. 26a and 26b are front and back views of auxiliary straps for usewith embodiments of the present garments;

FIGS. 27a and 27b are front and back views, respectively, of a man's orchild's short sleeve zipper front garment of an embodiment forprescription wear, for example;

FIG. 28 is a front view of another embodiment of a shorts garment;

FIGS. 29a, 29b and 29c are front, back and side views of a furtherembodiment of another embodiment of shorts;

FIGS. 30a and 30b are front and back views, respectively, of analternative version of the crop top or bra top; and

FIGS. 31a and 31b show front and back views of the garment of FIGS. 1aand 1b on which has been placed the cape of FIGS. 3a and 3b .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring first to FIG. 1a , a garment 50 for supporting and activatingmuscle through tension and elasticity. The garment 50 is in the form ofa sleeveless top or shirt includes a front 52 with a closure 54 thatincludes a zipper to join a right front 56 to a left front 58. Theillustrated garment is configured for wear by a man, but variations inproportions and sizes may be made to provide the garment for women,youths and children, for this and all garments disclosed herein. A lowerportion 60 of the front 52 is reinforced with a double layer of fabricand includes stitching in a symmetric pattern to join the double fabriclayers to one another. The lower portion 60 includes a second closure 62that includes a plurality of hook and eye fasteners sewn to theadjoining edges of the lower portion at spaced intervals. The hook andeye fasteners of the second closure 62 are located beneath or inside ofthe zipper closure 54 and are fastened to one another prior to zippingthe zipper 54.

The left and right front 56 and 58 includes horizontal stitching 64extending across the mid to upper chest area of the wearer. Twostitching bands 64 are included in the illustrated embodiment. The leftand right front 56 and 58 also include reinforced slits 66 through whichextend straps 68. The straps 68 each have a fastener 70 on their freeends. The fasteners 70 are hook portions of hook and loop fasteners,such as Velcro. The garment 50 has a neck band 72 at a neck opening andreinforcing stitching 74 at the arm openings of this sleeveless garment.The tops of the shoulders including the ends of bands 76.

The materials of the garment 50 includes a heavy fabric such as a Lycrablend for the front 52 to which the hook fastener 70 attaches. The neckband 72 is a thinner, stretchier fabric than the body of the front 52.The inner layer of the lower portion 60 is a heavy fabric that resistsstretching. The straps 68 are three inch wide elastic bands in certainembodiments.

In FIG. 1b , the back 78 includes bands 76 of a heavier, stretchresistant material that is joined to a back body material 80 of athinner, stretchier mesh-like material. The bands 76 include a centerband 82 that extends along the center of the back 78. The center band 82extends from the neck band 72 and gradually widens at an upper middle ofthe back 78, below which a gradual taper narrows the center band 82. Thebands 76 also include first and second side bands 84 and 86. The firstside band 84 extends from an upper portion of the center band 82 to aninner portion of the shoulder. The second band 76 extends from an uppermiddle portion of the center band 82, generally at its widest extent, toan outer portion of the shoulder and to the upper portion of the armopening.

The bands 76, which may be referred to as neurobands, apply tension tothe wearer's shoulders and back to encourage good posture. Theneurobands both support muscles as well activate muscles. Thecombination of fabrics that make up the garment have differentcharacteristics, including different stretch characteristics, so as towork by tension and elasticity to activate and support the muscles. Incertain embodiments, the heavier fabric of the bands 76 holds in bodyheat compared to the mesh back body material 80 which permits heat toescape. This local heating and cooling relaxes and stimulates musclesand encourages improved posture and body positioning and motion. Seams88 joining the bands 76 to the back body material 80 in certainembodiments are formed with heavy thread and flat stitched so as to formraised or sensory seams that contact the wearer's body and therebyprovide tactile sensations that also encourage good body posture andmotion. The bands 76 direct muscle activity and body position to thecore of the wearer's body.

A hem band 90 extends across the lower edge of the back 78 and isreinforced by a band of stretch resistant material having a rubberizedor other grippy tactile surface on the inside of the garment 50. The hemband 90 reduces the back of the garment riding up during bending ormovement by the wearer. The hem band 90 also provides support for thereinforced lower portion 60 of the front 52. The garment 50 of certainembodiments is long enough to extend to about mid-hip of the wearer, tothereby anchor the tension forces applied by the garment to the bodycore. The illustrated garment is designed for wear by a man. Otherversions for women and children are envisioned and within the scope ofthis specification.

Turning to FIG. 2a , the interior of the garment 50 is seen but with thefront and back cut apart at the shoulder for purposes of illustration sothat the interior is better revealed. Of course, the shoulder would notbe so cut in the garment for wear. The interior of the front 52 has thereinforcing material 92 at the lower portion 60, with its generallyparallel stitching to the fabric of the exterior. The hook and eyefasteners of the second closure 62 are provided along the opposing edgesof the lower portion 60. A zipper shield strip 94 extends along aninterior edge of the closure 54 on either the left front 58 or rightfront 56 or both.

The horizontal stitching 64 secures an end 96 of each strap 68 to thefront 52. A liner 98 covers the end 96 and a first portion 100 of thestrap. The liner 98 extends from the top of the front 52 to the top ofthe back 78. The straps 68 include a second portion 102 fastened to thefirst portion 100 where the straps extend out of the liner 98. Thestraps 68 extend from the front of the upper chest of the wearer, overthe shoulders, and cross inside the back 78 before extending out of thereinforced slits 66. By fastening the fasteners 70 at the free ends ofthe straps 68 to the exterior of the front 52, the wearer applieselastic tension that crosses at the upper portion of the wearer's backto encourage the wearer to hold his or her shoulders back, preventingslouching and encouraging good posture. The wearer is able to controlthe amount of tension applied by selecting were to affix the straps. Theentire exterior of the front 52 may be capable of receiving thefasteners 70 so that the wearer is free to select any desired fasteninglocation. The hem band 90 is seen at the lower edge of the back 78.

In FIG. 2b , the interior of the left front 58 is shown with the liner98 raised to reveal the first portion 100 of the strap 68 that ispositioned under the liner. The strap 68 is secured only at the end 96at the horizontal stitching 64 and by the fastener 70 at the free end,but is otherwise free to stretch or move within the space formed by theliner 98 and the exterior fabric panels of the garment 50. Thehorizontal stitching 64 secures a reinforcing band 104 across theinterior of the front 52 to which the end 96 of the strap 68 isfastened.

The illustrated garment 50 may be worn by a wearer to encourage goodposture and good body position and motion. The garment 50 may be worndirectly on the wearer's skin or over another garment. The garment 50may be worn at the instruction of a doctor or other medicalprofessional, or for physical therapy reasons, or rehabilitation, or maybe chosen to be worn by the wearer for other reasons. If the effect onthe wearer's posture and body position is not sufficient from thegarment 50 alone, a supplemental garment may be provided. One suchsupplemental garment may include elastic bands that fasten to the fabricof the front at the upper portion of the exterior surface, extendcrossed over the back and are fastened to the front at the lowerportion. In some instances, the additional elastic bands may follow thesame path as the bands 68 within the garment 50. The crossed bands mayinclude a support where the bands cross of the type provided forsuspenders, for example.

Additional garments are provided by may form a system of garments thatmay be worn separately or together to obtain the desired results. Onesuch additional garment is a further supplemental support 106 is shownin FIG. 3a . The supplemental support 106 may be referred to as a cape.The exterior of the cape or support 106 has a center portion 108 fromwhich extend two shoulder straps 110. The opposite end of the cape 106has a lower back support 112 with one or two laterally extendingportions 114. The center portion 108 includes a double layer of fabricwith an opening 116 of a pocket 118 formed by the double layer. Thepocket 118 may be selectively closed for example by a hook and loopfastener 120 within the inside of the opening to permit the wearer toselectively open or close the pocket 118. A heat pack cold pack or otherthermal or therapeutic device may be positioned within the pocket, forexample when the cape 106 is worn.

FIG. 3b shows the interior surface of the cape 106. The shoulder straps110 each have a fastener 120 at the free end. The fasteners 120 ofcertain embodiments are hook portions of hook and loop fasteners thatmay be attached, for example, to the front 52 of the garment 50 (seeFIG. 31a ) so that the shoulder straps extend from the front of thegarment 50 and over the wearer's shoulders. This positions the centerportion 108 at the center of the wearer's back (see FIG. 31b ). The cape106 has the laterally extending portions 114 that also have fasteners122 at the free end. The fasteners 122 may fasten to a garment worn bythe wearer, for example, to the garment 50. The fasteners 122 affix tothe lower portion 60 of the garment 50, for example (see FIG. 31a ).Tension is applied around the core by the lower back support 112 and tourge the shoulders back by the shoulder straps 110. The cape 106 may bea supplement to the garment 50 or may be used alone, so long as thewearer is wearing a garment to which the fasteners 120 and 122 may beattached. An additional pocket or other feature 124 may be provided onthe inside surface.

A further embodiment that may be included in the system is shown in FIG.4 wherein a short sleeved shirt garment 126. The shirt includes a front128 with a center panel 130 that extends from a neck band 132 to abottom hem 134. A flap 136 in certain embodiments is a continuous partof the center panel 130 that is shown extending below the bottom hem 134but which will be folded at the bottom hem 134 to form a double walledlower section 138. The center panel 130 is of a stretchy fabric thatapplies tension to the wearer, and the double thickness at the lowersection 138 applies additional tension and compressive pressure at thelower portion of the wearer's torso, bringing forces back to thewearer's core.

The front 128 also has portions of side panels 140 that are sewn to thecenter panel and that also form undersides of sleeves 142. Top portions144 of the sleeves 142 extend from the ends of the sleeves 142 toshoulder straps 146. The shoulder straps 146 extend from the tops 144 ofthe sleeves to the neck band 132. A strip 148 is affixed between an endof each shoulder strap 146 and the center panel 140, the strips 148extending diagonally from the neck band 132. In certain embodiments, thestrips 148 are formed of loop portions of a hook and loop fastener sothat hook portions of the fastener may be attached at the strips 148.Similar strips are provided in many of the garments in this system. Sidestraps 150 extend around the sides of the garment 126 and affix toopposite sides of the double walled lower section 138. The side straps150 may include loop portions of a hook and loop fastener to provide alanding pad or connection site for hoop portions of the fastener toattach. Similar loop portions may be provided on other embodiments inthis system.

FIG. 5 shows the shirt garment 126 of FIG. 4, also called a postureshirt, from the back. The back includes a core portion 152 of a firstfabric that is overlaid on or stitched into a corresponding opening in astrap panel 154. The core portion 152 of the illustrated embodiment hasa generally hourglass shape with a wider portion at the upper back and asecond wider portion at the lower back. The core portion 152 may be ofstretch resistant material that may also hold in heat to apply bothtension and heat to the core of the wearer. The strap panel 154 has twoshoulder straps 146 that extend over the shoulders of the shirt so as toapply tension to the shoulders of the wearer. One of the shoulder straps146 is shown cut away from the front of the shirt for purposes ofillustrating the length and configuration of the shirt. A lower backpanel 156 extends across the lower back of the shirt 126 and connects toboth the core portion 152 and the strap panel 154. The lower back panel156 may be of a relatively low stretch fabric and may be separate fromthe core portion 152 and strap panel 154 and joined thereto by sewnseams, for example, or may be formed in one piece with one or more ofthe core portion 152 and the strap panel 154. The lower back panel 156has sidewardly extending portions that form the side straps 150 whichare attached at the double thickness lower section 138 of the front. Oneof the side straps 150 is shown cut from the shirt for purposes ofillustration. The side panels 140 and top portions 144 of the sleeves142 extend from the front as well.

The core portion 152 and shoulder and side straps 146 and 150 are formedof fabrics that applies tension during movement and while the wearer isstill. Tactile sensations from the straps and seams as well as retainedheat over selective area encourage muscle and tissue relaxation tofurther improve posture and motion.

FIG. 6 is a back view of an alternative shirt 158 that includes a lowerback panel 160 of a same fabric as the body of the shirt. The lower backpanel 160 may instead be of a different fabric than the shirt body. Thecore portion 152 and strap panel 154 are similar or identical to theembodiment of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a pair of shorts type garment 162, shownfrom the front, that uses bands, also referred to as neurobands, toapply tension to muscles and tissue areas of the body and to activatemuscles, similar to the vest, cape and shirt described above. The shortsmay be part of the system. In addition to the illustrated shorts, longerpants may be provided. The neurobands on the shorts transfer forces tothe body core. In particular, the embodiment of the shorts 162 includesa body 164 to which are provided bands or straps 164. The straps 164include a waist strap 166 that is releasable at both opposite ends. Thewaist strap ends each have a fastener 168 that affixes to a centralpanel 170. The fastener 168 is one portion of a hook and loop fastenerand the central panel 170 is the other portion. The central panel 170 iscovered by a flexible cover 172 in certain embodiments. The cover 172,also referred to as a pouch, prevents accidental release of the waiststrap fastener 168 yet is flexible enough that the wearer may reachunder the cover to attach or release the waist strap fastener 168. Thewearer may instead affix the ends of the straps 168 and 174 to theoutside of the cover or pouch 172, or may even stretch the straps toaffix the ends of the straps to the body of the shorts with the strapsacross the cover or pouch 172, depending on wearer preference. Thestraps are of elastic bands or UVL.

A hip strap 174 is positioned below the waist strap 166. The hip strap174 has two free ends that include fasteners 176 that may be attached tothe central panel 170 in the same way as the waist strap ends. One sideof the waist strap and hip strap is shown released and one side is shownaffixed in this view. The shorts 162 include spiral strap portions 178in this view. A crotch panel 180 is provided.

In FIG. 8 can be seen that the waist strap 166 and hip strap 174 of theshorts 162 extend from a central lower back panel 182. The lower backpanel 182, as seen from the back, extends below the waist strap 166 andthe hip strap 174 and contact the spiral strap portions 178. Tensionapplied by the straps at the waist and hips is communicated to thespiral wrapped straps 178. The straps 178 extend in a helical inclinedabout the leg of the shorts 162 to hems 184 of the legs 186. Tension isapplied in a spiral direction to the legs and lower torso of the wearerby the straps. The spiral straps may also be releasable to selectivelycontrol tension on the straps by the wearer. Fastening sites 188 arestitched to the back of the legs 186. The fastening sites 188 mayreceive hook portions of hook and loop fasteners of additional strapsthat the user may wish to wear. The fastening sites are formed as loops,such as belt loop-type structures, so that straps may be affixed to theshorts through the loops. The shorts apply tension that is drawn towardthe body core of the wearer, improving motion and posture.

A side view of the shorts 162 is shown in FIG. 9. Tensions applied bythe spiral straps 178 are indicated by arrows B. Tensions are controlledby the wearer via selective tension applied to the straps 166 and 174 asthey are affixed to the central panel 170. The straps 166 and 174 arefree of the body of the shorts 162 except where stitched at 190 alongthe back of the waist band and at 192 and 194 along the edges of thecentral lower back panel. Tension is applied to the wearer's core. Adiamond shaped element 196 is provided on the upper side of the shorts162.

In the view of FIG. 10, the shorts 162 has the straps 166 and 174released, revealing that the sides of the shorts may be opened at 198.Affixing the straps 166 and 174 to the central panel 170 closes thesides of the shorts 162. The element 196 may be a fastener, fasteningsite, or loop to which to attach additional spiral straps that may bewrapped about the legs 186 and affixed at the fastening sites 188.

The garments show so far may be worn by men, women or children, althoughthe illustrated examples are designed for wear by men. In FIG. 11a is apullover woman's version 200 of the shirt of FIG. 4. The constructionand materials are the same or similar except that the woman's versionincludes a somewhat different contour for the upper torso on the centerpanel 202. Stitching 204 and possible other reinforcement or support isprovided to accommodate a woman's bustline. The stitching may beeliminated in some embodiments. The lower portion of the shirt 200including the double layer lower section 206 and the side straps 208 maybe wider as well. The shoulder straps 210 and diagonal strips 212 aregenerally the same as the version described above.

In the back view of FIG. 11b of the woman's version, the strap panel 214has the shoulder straps 210 and connects to the side straps 208. Thecore portion 216 is at the center of the back in an hourglass shape. Theembodiment shown here includes an additional curved shoulder band 218that extends from side to side of the upper portion of the core portion216 to apply added tension across the upper back of the wearer. Thecurved band 218 of certain embodiments may be the loop portion of a hookand loop fastener to which may be attached short bands to applyadditional tension at the back, referred to as scapula tension. Theshort bands will be described later herein.

FIG. 12 is an alternative embodiment of a posture shirt 220 for a womanor for a child, shown from the back. An hourglass shaped core portion222 is sewn onto or otherwise affixed to the strap panel 224 which hasshoulder straps 226 and side straps 228. A supplemental upper back strap229 is provided across the upper portion of the hourglass shaped coreportion 222. Further descriptions of the features are not provided forthe sake of brevity.

FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of a woman's version of the posture shirt230 that has the diagonal strips 232 connecting the shoulder straps 234to the central panel 236. The diagonal strips may be loop portions of ahook and loop fastener. An additional strip 238 is connected between theside straps 240 and the reinforced lower portion 242 of the centralpanel 236. The additional strip 238 may also be loop portions of a hookand loop fastener. The stitching 244 is provided to accommodate awoman's figure. The version of the shirt 230 shown here has a frontclosure 246, such as a zipper or other fastener. The shirt 230 may be apull over or partial zip shirt as well. Similarly, the pull over shirtsshown herein may be provided with a front closure or other closure.

FIG. 14 shows that the zipper closure shirt 230 has the strap panel 248and core portion 250. The side straps 252 may be of the same material ora different material from the strap panel 248.

In FIG. 15, a woman's version of the zippered short sleeve shirt 254 hasa bra section 256 that includes a first portion 258 over the bust areaof the wearer. The first portion 258 may be of a foam-type material. Theinternal structure of the shirt 254 is shown with the shirt turnedinside-out. Second bust portions 260 are on the inside of the firstportion. The first portion 258 and the second bust portions 260 extendto the shoulder straps 262 that extend over the shoulders from the strappanel. The stitching 264 for the double thickness lower portion 266 canbe seen in this inside out view. Stitching 268 for the diagonals at theneck area show that the diagonals secure the shoulder straps 262 to thebust portions 260.

FIG. 16a shows a front 270 of a short sleeved shirt 272 that includes acentral panel 274 with a reinforced lower portion 276. Wider side straps278 are provided connected to the lower portion 276 and extending up theside panel of the shirt 272. The side straps 278 are of a rib knitfabric, for example to which hook portions of a hook and loop fastenermay be affixed. Two pairs of shoulder straps 280 extend over theshoulder to the central panel 274.

The back view of FIG. 16b shows that the shirt 272 has a center band 282and paired diagonal shoulder straps 280 extending from a core directionover the shoulders. The shoulder straps 280 and center band 282 ofcertain embodiments are of French terry material that is resistant tostretching and provides a heat insulating property, for example. Meshfabric 284 connected to the straps 280 and center band 282 providesstretchy, non-tension applying fabric that permits cooling of the bodyportions under the mesh. Two such mesh sections 284 are provided at theshoulder straps 280 and another mesh section is provided at either sideof the center band 282. Tension and heat are thereby concentrated on theareas under the straps and center band to encourage posture. Elasticmovement and release of body heat are provided by the mesh panels. Thefront, upper side panels and sleeves are of poly-lycra. The tactiledifferent between the fabrics, as well as raised stitching at the seamsconnecting the fabrics provides biofeedback to the wearer to furtherimprove posture.

Turning to FIG. 17, the same principles as described herein may beapplied to a crop top or bra top 286 for wear by a woman, such as duringexercise. The top 286 has a shortened hem 288, a front panel 290 withside stitching 292, and shoulder straps 294. In FIG. 18a the top 286 hasthe center band 296 that connects to the diagonal paired shoulder straps294. The shoulder straps 294 and center band 296 are of tensionresistant material such as French terry that stretches less than bodymaterial 298, for example, mesh, that is between the bands and straps,so that tension is selectively applied to encourage improved posture.Two mesh panels 298 are provided at the shoulder straps 294 and one meshpanel or poly-lycra panel at each side of the center band 296.

FIG. 18b shows a similar top back view to FIG. 18a but with an addedtension strap 300 in the center band 302. The tension strap 300 mayreceive an add-on scapula strap, for example, and may be formed of aloop portion of a hook and loop fastener. Both embodiments of FIGS. 18aand 18b have the center band 296 and 302 at the center of the back butthe center band has a different shape than on the longer shirts. Inparticular, the center band has a greater width below the neck band atthe upper shoulder strap 294 a and tapers to a narrower shape at thelower shoulder strap 294 b.

FIGS. 19a and 19b show a cape 304 that may be used for women or childrenfor additional posture support. The cape 304 includes a body 306 with apocket 308 for holding a heating or cooling pack or other therapeuticitem. The shoulder straps 310 are shorter for children but may be longerfor use by women and include fasteners 312 on the free ends. A backpanel 314 is provided on the lower end of the body 306, the back panel314 having two lateral extensions 316 from each side, each with afastener 318 for fastening to a garment worn by the wearer. The fastener318 of certain embodiments is a hook fastener of a hook and loopfastener. The wearer may wear a garment that permits the hook fastenerto attach to the garment, such as one of the vests or shirts describedabove, and may affix the cape 304 to the garment for additional posturesupport.

FIG. 20 shows a maternity top 320 for a woman. The top includes shoulderstraps 322 that extend over the shoulders, a bust support area 324 witha center section or spacer 325, an abdominal panel 326 and a lowerportion 328. The shoulder straps 322 and spacer 325 of this embodiment,as well as other embodiments disclosed herein, may be of a stiffsupporting fabric having a bonding quality. The bonding quality fabricis layer bonded and is relatively rigid and without significant stretch.This type of fabric is used in jackets, for example. The abdominal panel326 is of stretchy fabric to accommodate the changing shape of thewearer during a pregnancy. The lower portion 328 is of double thicknessfor core stability and has a curved upper edge 330 for the wearer'sabdomen. The lower portion 328 is affixed to side straps 332 byfasteners 334, such as hook and eye fasteners at the two opposite sidesof the lower portion 332. The top 320 is short sleeved. It is alsoforeseen with this and other tops and shirts that the tops and shirtsmay be sleeveless or long sleeved or of some intermediate sleeve length.

FIG. 21 shows the back of the maternity top 320. The shoulder straps 322extend from the front to the back as a strap panel. The strap panelincludes the side straps 332 that extend at the hips around to the frontof the top 320 for fastening to the lower portion 328 using thefasteners 334. On the strap panel 322 is a core portion 336 of a fabricwith low stretch characteristics. The core portion 336 has a hourglassshape and includes a tail portion 338 that extends to the lower hem in atapered shape. For added back support, the top 320 includes straps 340that provide additional tension and support. The straps 340 form an Xshape at the back of the top 320 with upper ends of the straps 340secured under a retainer strap 342. The straps 340 come together and areheld in a first retainer loop 344. The straps 340 remain together andpass through a second retainer loop 346 before separating and extendingtoward the side straps 332 at the hips. The retainer loops 344 and 346are adjustable along the length of the straps 340 depending on thewearer's preference. Stitch lines are indicated on the straps 340, whichare stitched to hold pieces together. The separated straps 340 passunder another portion of the retainer strap 342. Free ends 348 of thestraps 340 include fasteners, such as hook fasteners, that enable thewearer to adjust the positions of the strap ends 348 and thus adjust thetension provided by the straps 340. The fasteners on the strap ends 348are fastenable to the fabric of the side straps 322, for example. Thestraps 340 are free to move with the wearer by passing through theretainer loops 344 and 346 and under the lower portion of the retainerstrap 342 while providing support to the wearer. The retainer strap 342is of a hard fabric that provides support to the center of the back ofthe wearer. Stitch lines are indicated for locations where the retainerstrap 342 is sewn to the underlying fabric layers.

FIG. 22 shows a bra portion 350 of the maternity top 320. The braportion is internal to the maternity top 320 and may be permanentlyaffixed within the top 320 or removable from the top 320. In thepreferred embodiment, the bra is sewn into the top. The bra portion 350may be available in different sizes as needed. The bra portion 350includes shoulder straps 352 that extend from the back of the top. Uppersupport sections 354 connect from the shoulder straps 352 to bra cupportions 356. The bra cup portions 356 include generally J-shapedsupport strips 358 of curved foam pieces that are fastened to the uppersupport sections 354 and extend around the outside of the cup. Neck linestitching 360 extends from the upper support sections 354 to the insideends of the support strips 358. A center support 362 is connectedbetween the cups. Underwires 364 are provided as well, which may be ofmetal wire, plastic or of cord, for example.

In FIGS. 23a and 23b , a pullover sleeveless shirt garment 366 for womenis provided. The sleeveless shirt includes a front panel 368 having alower portion 370 of doubled fabric connected to sided straps 372. Thefront panel has bust support stitching 374 that may be attached to aninternal bra structure, for example of the type shown herein. Shoulderstraps 376 connect the front panel 368 to a strap panel 378 on the backof the shirt 366 that connects between the shoulder straps 376 and theside straps 372. The shoulder straps and side straps may include loopfastener portions for a hook and loop fastener where the straps connectat the front of the garment. An hourglass shaped core portion 380 isaffixed to the strap panel 378 at the center of the back for coresupport. A curved additional band 382, for example of a loop portions ofa fastener, extends across the top of the core portion 380. A lower backsupport 384 may be part of the strap panel 378 or may be overlying thestrap panel or may be attached to the strap panel. The lower backsupport of certain embodiments is spacer fabric. Sides 385 connect thefront and back together to form the sleeveless shirt. The side straps372 and shoulder straps 376 in this and other embodiments may haveportion formed of a material to which hook portions of hook and loopfasteners may be attached for wear with the cape or other supplementalsupports. Similarly, each of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 24a-25b haveloop portions at the front ends of the shoulder straps and the sidestraps as well as across the top center of the back. The waist band atthe back may have an internal elastic band with a silicon grip coatingto prevent riding up at the hip.

In FIGS. 24a and 24b is provided a front zipper sleeveless woman's shirt386 that includes a front closure 388, such as a zipper or otherclosure, but is otherwise identical to the sleeveless shirt of FIGS. 23aand 23b . The details will not be repeated for the sake of brevity.

A short sleeved shirt 390 that is unisex and may be sized either foradults or children is shown in FIGS. 25a and 25b . The shirt 390 has afront closure 392 such as a zipper or other closure. The shirt 390includes features of other garments described herein and so will not bedescribed in further detail.

FIGS. 26a and 26b are front and back views of a supplemental strap 394that is formed of an elastic material in certain embodiments and inother embodiments is formed of a fabric with a predetermined elasticcharacteristic. The strap 394 has fasteners 396 at each end. Thefasteners 396 of certain embodiments include hook portions of hook andloop fasteners. The fasteners 396 enable the wearer to affix the strap394 to garments, such as those shown herein or others to providesupplemental support to the wearer. The straps 394 may be applied andworn individually or may be used together with plural straps or othersupplemental supports, as needed. The strap 394 may have grips 398, suchas rubberized grips, at the end on the opposite face from the fasteners396, or the bands may be provided without the grips. Similar grips maybe provided on straps as are provided in accordance with the presentspecification. The supplemental strap 394 or neuroband may be providedin a variety of lengths as needed. For example, a four inch long versionmay be provided for attachment to the loop portion strip at the upperback of the garment. Bands of lengths of 18 inches to 32 inches in twoinch increments may be provided in certain embodiments.

In FIGS. 27a and 27b is shown a zipper front shirt 400, such as for wearby men or children, that provides further support such as may beprescribed by a doctor or other healthcare professional, although aprescription may not be required to obtain or wear the garment.Adjustable side straps 402 extend from the sides of the lower portion ofthe shirt 400 and are fastenable to a lower portion 404 of a front panel406. The front panel includes a closure 408, such as a zipper. The frontpanel 406 is attached at its top end to shoulder straps 410. Circularfeatures 412 are provided on the side straps 402 to indicate thumb holesor finder holes so that additional tension may be applied to the straps.The holes 412 may be provided closer to the ends of the straps.

In the back view of FIG. 27b the shoulder straps 410 connect to or arepart of the strap panel 414, on which is the core portion 416. The coreportion has the arcuate strap 418. The lower back portion 420 providessupport for the lower portion of the body core. By applying tension tothe side straps 402 and affixing them to the lower portion 404 of thefront panel 406, the wearer provides activation and support for musclesof the wearer through tension and elasticity, bringing the tension backto the body core of the wearer and promoting body posture and movement.A similar configuration may be provided for women.

FIGS. 28, 29 a, 29 b and 29 c illustrate other versions of shorts, theshorts may be referred to as a core chassis. The shorts 422 of FIG. 28include a front panel 424 to which may be attached the waist straps 426and the hip straps 428, such as by hook and loop fastener. The hipstraps 428 may wrap around the leg at 430 or the strap 430 may beseparate from the hip straps 428. The straps are neurobands to stimulateand support muscles and muscle groups. The shorts of FIGS. 28 and 29 areside opening shorts.**

The shorts 432 of FIGS. 29a, 29b and 29c include straps 434 that extendfrom the waistband 436 on either side of a front panel 438 and aregenerally vertical at an upper front of the shorts. The straps 434 curvearound the back of the leg 440 below a seat 442, then spiral around tothe front of the leg 440 and connect to the lower hem 444 at theoutsides of the legs 440. The lower ends of the strap 434 extend aboutthe lower hem 444 at the back of the legs 440. Spiral tension is appliedto the wearer's lower extremities by the straps 434.

The shorts 432 may include side fasting panels 446 that permit thewearer to don the garment and then secure the garment in place using theside fastening panels. A lower back panel 448 is provided at thewaistband 436 at the back of the shorts 432.

Turning to FIGS. 30a and 30b , an alternative embodiment of a crop topor bra top 450 is provided. The top 450 includes a front panel 452 thatis connected to two shoulder straps 454 and 456. The inner shoulderstrap 454 extends to a seam 458 where it is stitched to the front panel452 in a seam that extends generally perpendicular to a seam 460 thatconnects the outer shoulder strap 456 to the front panel 452. Theextended seam interface between the front panel 452 and the two shoulderstraps 454 and 456 provides a greater degree of support to the frontpanel 452. The front panel 452 and the shoulder straps 454 and 456 areof fabric that has a low stretch characteristic, such as French terry.

Between the shoulder straps 454 and 456 is a mesh panel 462. Side panels464 are provided connected to the front panel 452. A distinction betweenthe embodiment of FIGS. 30a and 30b and the embodiment of FIGS. 18a and18b is that the top of FIGS. 18a and 18b include two mesh panels betweenthe shoulder straps and the neckline whereas the embodiment of FIGS. 30aand 30b includes a single mesh panel between the shoulder straps and theneckline. The embodiment of FIGS. 30a and 30b has a more open neckline,particularly at the back.

With reference to the back of the top 450 as shown in FIG. 30b , theshoulder straps 454 and 456 connect to a center strap 464. The centerstrap has a wider portion between the lower, outer shoulder straps 456and tapers to a narrower width toward the neck 466 and the lower hem468. The inside of the lower hem may be provided with a grippy material,such as a silicone material, part way or all the way around. Similargrippy material coatings or layers may be provided on other embodimentas disclosed herein.

Two mesh panels 470 are provided on either side of the central strap464. Two portions 476 are between the shoulder strap 456 and the sidepanels 464. Two diamond shaped patches 472 are provided on the lower,outer shoulder straps 456. The patches 472, which may be of any shape,including of a bar or strip shape, are formed of a loop portion of ahook and loop fastener. An elastic band 474 is connected to the patches472 by hook portions of a hook and loop fastener. The elastic band 474provides tension horizontally across the middle of the back which maybenefit some wearers. The elastic band 474 of certain embodiments isapproximately four inches in length and has the hook fasteners stitchedto the inside surface adjacent the ends. The elastic band 474 providestension to the scapula, and may be referred to as a scap tab. Theelastic band 474 or a similar short band may be provided on any of theshirts or tops that have a fastener at a location for fastening such aband. For instance, several of the tops and shirts described hereininclude bands or strips of loop material on the back and may have anelastic band attached thereto as desired by the wearer. Of course, theattachment locations and bands may be of any location, configuration orof any fastener.

Examples of materials used in the embodiments shown herein include:jersey fabric of 85% poly and 15% spandex for the front body, a meshfabric of 75% nylon and 25% spandex for the mesh panels, and 100% polyFrench terry fabric for the neurobands. Seams are stitched with fourthread Overlock stitching using tiger 35 thread for overlock stitchingand flatlock stitching is stitched with tiger 35 thread and a flatlocktop spreader, a flatlock bottom looper, or using a flatlock needle.Double stitching is provided using a ⅛ inch double needle cover stitch,a double needle coverstitch needle, or a coverstitch bottom looper.

For other embodiments such as the embodiment of FIG. 4, a front panel ofsingle jersey stretch cots of 94% cotton, 6% lycra, a center back panelof baby French enzyme compactor of 100% cotton, an overlay center backpanel and lower side front panels of japan Velcro plush fabric plusneoprene, and side and shoulders of interlock stretch CVCS Xco 54%cotton and 36% PES+Sp10. Threads used are to be stretchable for use witha high stretch fabric and are provided in a four needle flatlock stitch,a two needle coverstitch and a single needle cover stitch.

For the short embodiments, an example includes front and back and legsof single jersey fabric of 60% polyamide and 40% elastane, bonded legpanels of fabric of 77% polyamide and 23% elastane with a YSO coating onthe back side, the back waistband panel is bonded to the inner back sideand is of tricot with 50% polyamide and 50% elastane, and the foldedfront waistband panel is of stretch Velcro fabric of 78% nylon and 22%spandex. Antigripper elastic is provided on the inside of the backwaistband.

The embodiments relate to a posture control system that uses themodality of controlled and selective resistance to provide dynamicposture control and/or posture therapy throughout the body. In many waysthe posture control system can be thought of as an orthosis; the termorthosis being defined by medical science and the FDA as ‘an orthopedicappliance or apparatus used to support, align, prevent, or correctdeformities or to improve function of movable parts of the body.’ Unlikea traditional orthosis the posture control system uses a wearablechassis that form fits to the user's body, such as a garment orelastomeric chassis. Additionally, the chassis incorporates anatomicanchor points to mount selective resistance that enables rigid and/orsemi-rigid tensions to be coupled from muscle to muscle, joint to jointand from lower to upper extremity. The coupling schemes allow controlledexternal tension to be placed onto the posture chassis to assist in thetransfer of musculoskeletal forces in line with the direction of motorcontrol and the science of kinesiology. The posture control system maycomprise a chassis that is based on one or more garments worn by a user.The garments may be configured as a controlled resistance system toprovide coverage over the wearer in whole or in part as desired. Thegarment/posture control system may comprise, for example, an upperchassis (such as a shirt) that is coupled to a lower chassis (such as apair of pants or shorts). The garments may use various combinations oftactility and elasticity to help the wearer's posture, for example, withvarious panels, stitching, etc. As part of the posture control system,the garments may also comprise or be configured with various attachmentpoints that also perform as anatomic anchor points to provide the userwith controlled tension or resistance segments to align the wearer'sposture as desired. Other types of garments may be included in theposture control system, such as socks, jackets, hats, gloves, etc. Inaddition, the posture control system may accommodate other types ofwearable items, such as helmets, braces, etc. These items may be coupledto the chassis or other portion of the posture control system usingvarious known attachments, such as straps, cabling, etc., that are rigidor non-rigid.

In poor body alignment, it is determined that a kinesthetic,proprioceptive, or balance deficit exists. This poor body alignment canthen cascade into a variety of conditions and/or pain. In someembodiments, the posture control system comprises various componentsthat are configured to emphasize kinesthetic exercise and low-levelfunctional exercises and fundamental neuromuscular coordination. Theselective resistance can facilitate virtually any closed or open kineticchain training exercise by increasing the amount of kinesthetic andproprioceptive balance feedback to the body for better postural control.Examples of exercises that selective resistance can facilitate includebiofeedback training in open and closed kinetic chain positions,co-contraction exercises, balance exercises, low-level functionalexercises, and fundamental neuromuscular coordination drills. In someembodiments, these functional components may be attached to orintegrated with one or more of the garments in the chassis of theposture control system. In addition, the posture control system maycomprise garments that are coupled together, for example, with straps,and/or, a cape-like accessory, in unique fashions that align bodystructures for kinetic biofeedback.

In some embodiments, the posture control system comprises variouscomponents that are configured or comprise features to stimulate nervesto actively influence sensory and motor pathways to assist with posture.In some embodiments, these components may be attached to or integratedwith one or more of the garments in the chassis of the posture controlsystem. According to one aspect, the embodiments provide force,resistance, or parasitic energy for purposes of posture control and/ortherapy. In one embodiment of the posture control system, the variousgarments use levers and anatomic anchor points to which can be attachedvarious tension or resistance segments that provide kinetic biofeedback.In addition, the posture control system may comprise garments that arecoupled together, for example, with straps, and/or, a cape-likeaccessory, in unique fashions that align body structures for betterposture.

The posture control system may also accommodate other features. Forexample, the posture control system may comprise various pouches orcompartments to allow for the delivery of drugs or medications as wellas various forms of stimuli, such as electro-stimuli, cold therapy, heattherapy, accelerometers, gyrometers, etc. The pouches or compartmentsmay also comprise rigid materials or structures that are capable ofproviding musculoskeletal support.

The embodiments may used to treat various ailments or conditions. Inaddition, the embodiments may be used in treatments of other types ofconditions in which good posture provides benefits. For example, theposture control system may be employed to treat injuries, pain,musculoskeletal conditions, and neurologic conditions, such as autism,cerebral palsy, etc. In some embodiments, the posture control system maybe configured as an orthosis device. As an orthosis device, the posturecontrol system or portions of the system provides a selective resistanceorthosis intended for medical purposes that is worn on the upper orlower extremities, or traverses and couples the upper and lowerextremities to support, to correct, or to prevent deformities or toalign body structures for functional improvement.

Certain embodiments of the inventions will now be described. Theseembodiments are presented by way of example only, and are not intendedto limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel methods andsystems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms.Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form ofthe methods and systems described herein may be made without departingfrom the spirit of the inventions. To illustrate some of theembodiments, reference will now be made to the figures.

The features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed abovemay be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all ofwhich fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Although thepresent disclosure provides certain embodiments and applications, otherembodiments that are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art,including embodiments, which do not provide all of the features andadvantages set forth herein, are also within the scope of thisdisclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intendedto be defined only by reference to the appended claims.

The human body moves in an alignment inherent in a species that evolvedto balance and walk upright on two legs. How the human form alignsitself to move optimally is ever-dynamic and occurs in a kinetic chainfrom the appendages to the body's core. As will be explained furtherbelow, the posture control system may serve as a posture aid or therapyto help the wearer achieve and maintain a healthy alignment and postureof their body.

Some embodiments are designed to provide a systematic application ofcomfortable, form-fitting posture garments constructed with anatomicanchoring points that accept materials with specific tensile strengthand tactile feel to create a novel means to synchronize biomechanicalsupport, neuromuscular stimulation, and sensory feedback. In oneembodiment, a controlled resistance system is configured to facilitatethe body's own physiological process of posture control, (for example,based on parasitic support), optimal mobility, and the confidence andphysical attractiveness linked to good posture and form.

Approaches to health are best performed when facilitating the body's ownbiological powers for recovery. The embodiments provide tensile support,selective resistance (e.g., orthosis), for example, based onmusculoskeletal need, and tactile intervention mounted into comfortable,form-fitting garments to facilitate the functions inherent in thenervous and musculoskeletal systems.

Nerves stimulate muscles (creates force) when the muscle is stimulatedit may contract or lengthen. Muscular movement occurs when the nervestimulates the muscle to perform a specific act.

In the embodiments, the musculoskeletal system is viewed as a linkagesystem. When one part moves another part must also move to accommodatethat movement. Muscles attached to bone move the bone that in turn movethe body. Some embodiments are based on multiple scientific andprofessional medical disciplines who are aware of the type and placementof stimuli needed to achieve a desired change in biomechanics andbiofeedback forces for the betterment of musculoskeletal alignment andgood posture maintenance throughout the body. Accordingly, someembodiments provide a neuromuscular enhancement system for posturecorrection and maintenance.

In general, the embodiments may provide some of the following functions:

-   -   POSTURE CORRECTION AND POSTURE MAINTENANCE    -   BIOMECHANICAL SUPPORT    -   NEUROMUSCULAR BIOFEEDBACK    -   KINETIC BIOFEEDBACK    -   KINETIC ALIGNMENT    -   CONFIDENCE AND PHYSICAL ATTRACTIVENESS

Posture is often misunderstood being thought of in terms of a staticposition like standing or sitting. However, the embodiments appreciatethat human posture is dynamic, i.e., posture is also the body in motion.The anatomy and physiology that supports posture is dynamic as well andalways in a constant state of motion and balance.

For example, posture is defined in the Journal of America MedicalAssociation (JAMA) as the “sum total of the positions and movements ofthe body throughout the day and throughout life.” Posture has a directrelation to the comfort, mechanical efficiency and physiologicfunctioning of the individual. Poor posture is also a main risk factorin many injuries. For example, poor posture can impede the ability ofthe lungs to expand. Posture, when correct, helps to increases one'sability to breathe and allows muscles to work at optimum capacity. Whenslumped over, the lungs have less room to contract and inflate,therefore, decreasing its capacity to obtain the maximum amount ofoxygen needed.

An individual's posture is the foundation for mobility performanceregardless of age or demographic. As noted, poor posture leads to spinalpain, headaches, mood problems, chronic fatigue, increased chance ofinjury and decreased lung capacity among other problems. Furthermore,modern technological society has created a platform for poor posturalbehavior.

The embodiments recognize that posture is supported by themusculoskeletal system and regulated by the nervous system. The twocombined physiologic functions produce neuromuscular control.

For example, the embodiments recognize that postural control isdependent upon the conscious and unconscious reception and acceptance ofexternal sensory stimuli by the individual and the individual isresponsive to external stimuli in the waking and the sleeping state.

In some embodiments, a garment system using selective resistance isconfigured as an external means that is in contact with the wearer'sskin to actively influence the external stimuli received by theindividual to effect neuromuscular control for the betterment ofposture. The embodiments are configured to facilitate the biomechanicsof body movement, which occurs in a kinetic alignment to and from thebody's core. Tissue is used to support it.

In addition, some embodiments assist or employ the tensile strength ofcollagenous muscle tissue and that it has various properties related toits ability to produce force and movement about joints, such asirritability, contractility, extensibility, and elasticity.

In some embodiments, the posture control system comprises a garmentsystem using selective resistance that uses the tensile properties ofelastomeric materials to contract and develop tension or external forceagainst resistance when stretched. The embodiments may use materialswith tactile properties to stimulate the ‘irritability’ property ofmuscle tissue for the purpose of providing external biofeedback. Inaddition, posture control system may be designed to provide heating andor electrotherapy, cooling, rigid or semi-rigid panels, accelerometers,radio frequency, lumbopelvic supports, etc., depending on the desiredform of posture control or therapy, and pain management.

The garment system may also comprise other various features, such aspockets, pouches, and other forms of accessories. The garment system mayalso comprise enhancements such as a drug delivery system,electro-stimulation systems, heating and cooling, etc.

It is recognized that balance and motor control is built upon a livingnetwork of biofeedback to and from the central and peripheral nervoussystems that constantly adapts to an individual's external and internalenvironment. The reflex mechanisms by which we maintain balance andequilibrium within our environment are learned and rely heavily onmuscle memory patterns. Kinetic biofeedback is a means of gaininggreater awareness of these physiological functions and the embodimentsuse techniques that can manipulate them. That is, feedback that is inline with the kinetic motion of muscles.

For example, some embodiments use tensile support and tactileintervention, such as providing light to moderate resistance and supportin line with muscle biomechanics, as a novel means to influence kineticbiofeedback.

The embodiments may be configured to influence the conscious and mostlysubconscious processes of balance and equilibrium by inducingbiofeedback with predictable external touch and tension patterns ofanatomically placed banding, strapping or cabling. The posture controlsystem may be designed to be worn for various periods of time to providea desired effect. For example, the changes to a wearer's posture may bemaintained with periodic or ad-hoc use by a user. Some embodimentsinfluence the conscious and mostly subconscious processes of balance andequilibrium by inducing biofeedback with predictable external touch andtension patterns of anatomically placed banding, strapping or cabling.

In one embodiment, a posture garment is constructed with elastomericmaterials having distinct properties of elasticity, tensile strength andtactile intervention. The garment may be constructed using seams thathave specific stretch characteristics that are directionally placed inline with the elastomeric materials they enjoin. Seam placement andelasticity may be based on the science of human kinetics and placed insuch a way to create the least obstructive means to facilitate thetransfer of external loads placed onto the garment.

In one embodiment, as noted above, the garment system/posture controlsystem serves as a chassis that is constructed with anatomic anchorpoints. The mounts provide modularity by providing support to muscletissue that is adaptable to the users needs.

In various embodiments, the garment system may be designed for the upperand lower extremity or portions of a human user, such as in the form ofshirts, pants, shorts, etc., alone or in combination. In addition, thegarment system/posture control system may comprise various couplingmechanisms to traverse the upper and lower portions of the garmentsystem/posture control system and couple them together as functionalunit that helps posture.

The posture control system is configured to surround the anatomy in acomfortable form fit designed to stabilize or to fixate various anatomicareas to enable anchor/lever points and to allow segments of tension orresistance segments, such as Neurobands, to exert force and move in aspecific direction.

Tension or Resistance Segments (e.g., Neurobands) and Posture ControlSystem as “Kinetic energy harvesting”.

Energy harvesting (also known as power harvesting or energy scavenging)is the process by which energy is derived from external sources. In someembodiments, the posture control system employs a wearable powerharvesting technology using principles of motion to unobtrusivelygenerate neuromuscular activity from the natural motion of walking andthen use it to control posture. That is, the energy source for theposture control system kinetic is harvested from the friction betweenthe tension or resistance segments onto muscles and joints. For example,controlled resistance provided by the posture control system or garmentconverts mechanical strain into different sources of energy such asthermogenesis (muscle heat) and increased metabolism produced fromwearing the posture control/garment system upon muscle tissue. In thismanner biomechanical energy is being harvested to reduce fatigue byfacilitating better posture control.

The garment chassis forms a firm base for the anatomic mounts, such asPosture Mounts, and tension or resistance segments, such as Neurobands,across various muscle groups and joints. The garment system can thus besynergistic with the tension segments and allowing them to carry outtheir specific movements relative to the specific resistance and tactileintervention they provide. In some embodiments, the posture controlsystem is designed to distribute forces to and from the center ofgravity also known as the human center of rotation.

In some embodiments, the garment system can be configured to be primemovers for the action to provide neuromuscular support and stimulation.Accordingly, the specialized resistance of the garment system can refinemovement and rule out undesired motions.

Muscle Tissue Properties and Design Features to Enhance Them

As noted, the posture control system is configured to influence muscletissue behavior and contraction. Below are some of the muscle tissueproperties that have been found to be useful and some examples of designfeatures that may be implemented in the posture control system.

Irritability is a property of muscle being sensitive or responsive tochemical, electrical, or mechanical stimuli. In some embodiments, thetension or resistance segments provide mechanical stimuli and comprisematerials used to provide tactile intervention with muscle.

Contractility is the ability of muscle to contract and develop tensionor internal force against resistance when stimulated. In someembodiments, the tension or resistance segments comprise tensileproperties of materials used to support muscle.

Extensibility is the ability of muscle to be stretched back to itsoriginal length following contraction. In some embodiments, the tensionor resistance segments provide elastomeric stretch characteristic ofmaterials used to support muscle contractions.

Elasticity is the ability of muscle to return to its original lengthfollowing stretching. In some embodiments, the tension or resistancesegments provide elastomeric stretch characteristic of materials used tosupport muscle contractions. Human movement is always dynamic and theaxis of materials, such as neuroband placement, is configured not tocompress muscles, but to support muscle contractions. In one embodiment,the axis of materials is configured to support the axis of rotation ofthe core.

Core stability may been defined as the lumbo-pelvic hip muscle strengthand endurance yielding a coordinated activation of muscles andmaintenance of alignment throughout the kinetic chain. The embodimentsmay be configured to enhance or employ core stability and incorporate itinto the posture control and therapy.

Exemplary Garment System

In one embodiment, the garment system/posture control system is amodular system having components that anatomically and physiologicallyorganize with one another.

The average adult male is about 60% water. The average adult woman isabout 55% water. 90-95% of the remaining weight is comprised of over 600skeletal muscles.

There are 215 pairs of skeletal muscles, which usually work incooperation with each other to perform opposite actions to balance andalign the joints, which they cross.

Aggregate muscle action refers to when the muscles work in groups ratherthan independently to achieve a given joint motion. In general, muscleshave contractual properties, they don't compress and will respondadversely to prolonged compression.

Types of Muscle Contraction

Concentric—shortening or toward the middle of the belly of the muscle.

-   -   muscle develops tension as it shortens    -   occurs when muscle develops enough force to overcome applied        resistance    -   causes movement against gravity or resistance    -   described as being a positive contraction        Eccentric—lengthening or away from the middle of the belly of        the muscle    -   muscle lengthens under tension    -   occurs when muscle gradually lessens in tension to control the        descent of resistance    -   weight or resistance overcomes muscle contraction but not to the        point that muscle cannot control descending movement        Isometric or static contraction without change of length    -   the speed (or velocity) of movement is constant    -   muscular contraction (ideally maximum contraction) occurs        throughout movement

Isotonic muscular tension remains constant while the muscle eithershortens or lengthens. Isotonic—equal tension

Isokinetic means equal or the same this means that the Isometric orstatic contraction without change of length

-   -   the speed (or velocity) of movement is constant    -   muscular contraction (ideally maximum contraction) occurs        throughout movement

The tension or resistance segments, such as Neurobands, may behave likemuscle groups and can contract to control motion in multiple directionsand/or planes.

The senses are the physiological means by which organisms provide datafor how we perceive our environment. Their operation, classification andtheory are exhaustive leading to difficulties in defining how and whatthe senses perform and in particular, how the multitude of sensesinteract with one another. The embodiments can provide a garmentconstruction that affects the input to the senses of balance (touch,equilibrioception, proprioception) and sense of motion/acceleration(kinesthesia). These senses work together to keep a wearer balanced whensitting, standing, walking or running.

The senses of touch, proprioception, kinesthesia and equilibrioceptionare related in subtle ways, and impairment in any one of them can causelarge deficits in perception and action. Some embodiments can provide atouch-tension interface with built in touch or resistance segments, suchas Neuroband™ panels, mounted in a comfortable, form-fitting garment.

Of note, the stretch panels and garment construction is not necessarilydesigned to be compressive or to resemble a compression garment. Rather,these features of the garment apply external stretch characteristicsthat can enhance the senses of balance and motion, all which can be ofimportance.

The exemplary interactive garments with customized touch and tensionmechanisms can influence the user's external environment and why it mayimprove a wearer's posture, motor control, etc. By wearing the posturecontrol system of the embodiments, it is believed the unconsciousapplication of an external touch-tension feedback system can facilitateor modify the muscle firing in the wearer's sensory and motor pathwaysand result in various therapeutic effects.

The bioengineering requirements of a therapeutic garment device to helpstimulate neuromuscular balance have not been solved by the knowntechnology or products. In contrast, some of the embodiments haveaddressed the failings of the prior art by including garments thatprovide an amount of tension or torque to transfer body forces to andfrom the user's core. The garments have adaptability and comfortablefunctionality and can be distinguished from conventional knowncompression garments which have little or no basis in science andprovide little data that they produce a positive cause and effect.

The exemplary posture garments may work for all peoples and populationsequally, simply because all bodies have an innate need for balance anddesire good posture. The way the exemplary posture garments perform canbe viewed as having similar effect as eyeglasses worn because eyes don'tbend and focus well given pathology in the performance of our opticanatomy. To see better, specifically shaped lenses are worn as anexternal device to help pull and bend optic anatomy in ways theindividual cannot. Similarly, the exemplary posture garments and garmentsystem applies posture control and therapy to the anatomy to supportmuscles and joints while delivering kinetic biofeedback to influencegood posture in ways the body not.

The specific touch and tension of the exemplary tension or resistancesegments, such as Neurobands, leverage the initial external stimulationwith muscular support and interactive kinetic biofeedback. This may bereferred to as actionable-biofeedback. The garment construction isnon-restrictive, comfortable and enhancing to joint range of motion.

The embodiments are based on proprioception and kinesthesia to enhanceand preserve good posture. Proprioception is the sense of where the bodyis in time and space. A loss of the sense of proprioception over timemay cause the muscle to lose balance. Like so many of the senses, thesense of balance and movement eventually become a largely unconsciousprocess—Reflex actions occur in milliseconds, which is beyond thebrain's cognitive comprehension. In simpler terms, a person can normallybalance, move and rarely does the person have to consciously think aboutit. In some embodiments, the garment system/posture control systemprovides dynamic actionable-biofeedback to influence the user's sense ofproprioception.

Muscle Mirroring

Good posture puts a body in a form that will expend the least amount ofenergy required to move. Good posture connects optimal body kinematics.The embodiments influence kinematics by placing the stretchcharacteristics of the garment system or posture control system linewith the transfer of muscle force from the body limbs to the body's coreor center of gravity. This directional placement may be referred to asmuscle mirroring or kinetic muscle mirroring. Muscle mirroring providedby the posture garments of the embodiments differ from compressiongarments because the garments don't compress muscle tissue; they stretchwith it, i.e., the garment substantially mirrors the muscles of thewearer especially when in motion. In this manner, the exemplaryembodiments provide actionable biofeedback by mirroring musclecontractions that cannot be provided by conventional garments, such ascompression garments.

Like cognitive intelligence, muscle intelligence is quite refined.Muscles have memory and muscle memory involves the ability to reason,plan, solve movement problems, comprehend complex movements, learnquickly and learn from experience. Muscle intelligence involves patternsof muscle activity called reflexes that allow rapid and coordinatedmovement responses. Reflexes respond to changes in environmental stimulithat at times do not involve the brain's centralized control. The speedand amount of energy required for a reflex response to occur is aprimary factor in reducing physical fatigue, injury and the inflammatorycycle.

Consider, the brain may not always be required to coordinate stimulireceived from sensory pathways located in muscle tissue—In fact, much ofthis processing may occur in the spinal cord. Using an exemplary garmentof the embodiments for the retraining and preservation of good posture,this happens unconsciously and requires minimal brain processing orcognitive participation from the user—a user simply has to wear it attimes of their own choosing.

In some embodiments, the garments can thus be worn to enhance the datainput to the user's nervous system. The amended information is sent vianeural sensory pathways to the spinal cord. At the spinal cord,interneurons (relay neurons) encode the information and send edited databack to muscle fibers via neural motor pathways where an actionpotential is transmitted across a synapse. Finally, an amended reflexaction occurs by way of a muscle contraction. Thus, the exemplarygarment can employ this method of influencing the innate process ofmuscle intelligence.

Over time, the posture garments could assist the sensory processing ofbalance and movement of the wearer by unconsciously participating withinnate physiology to induce a learned balance of neuromuscular function.Moreover, the exemplary garments as a posture intervention couldfacilitate the compromised movement rhythms in sleeping, eating, normalbowel movements, and a body that is free of pain. The posture controlsystem can thus be used a therapy of external leverage.

Although other modifications and changes may be suggested by thoseskilled in the art, it is the intention of the inventors to embodywithin the patent warranted hereon all changes and modifications asreasonably and properly come within the scope of their contribution tothe art

I claim:
 1. A garment for wear by a wearer, comprising: a frontconfigured for wear primarily on an anterior of the wearer's torso, thefront having an interior and an exterior, the front including a rightfront portion and a left front portion; a back affixed to the front andconfigured for wear primarily on a posterior of the wearer's torso, theback having an interior and an exterior; left and right shoulderportions connecting the front to the back and configured for wear on thewearer's left and right shoulders, respectively; left and right sideportions connecting the front to the back and configured for wear on thewearer's left and right sides, respectively; a first strap connected toan interior of the front at the left front portion, the first strapextending at an interior of the left shoulder portion and configured topass over a shoulder of the wearer when the garment is worn, the firststrap extending diagonally at the interior of the back to an opening ata right side portion, the first strap extending through the opening andbeing selectively fastenable on the exterior of the right front portion;a second strap connected to an interior of the front at the right frontportion, the second strap extending at an interior of the right shoulderportion and configured to pass over a shoulder of the wearer when thegarment is worn, the second strap extending diagonally at the interiorof the back to an opening at a left side portion, the second strapextending through the opening and being selectively fastenable on theexterior of the left front portion; the back including bands of a firstfabric and portions of a second fabric stitched to the bands, the bandsincluding: a first band extending substantially the length of the backat a center thereof, and second bands extending diagonally from thefirst band to the left and right shoulder portions; the first fabric ofthe bands being of a first predetermined stretch characteristic and theportions of the second fabric being of a second predetermined stretchcharacteristic that is different than the first predetermined stretchcharacteristic; and a liner formed of a material that is affixed to theinterior of the front and back to define first and second passagewaysbetween the liner and the front and back, the liner extending from a topfront interior of the left and right shoulder portions and defining thefirst and second passageways extending to a top back interior of theleft and right shoulder portions, the first and second passagewaysdefining respective openings into the first and second passageways atthe back, wherein the first and second straps are disposed between thefront and the liner and extend through the respective first and secondpassageways along the interior of the left and right shoulder portionsand out of the openings in the liner at the interior of the back, suchthat the first and second straps are free to stretch and move within therespective passageways between the liner and the front.
 2. A garmentsystem, comprising: a garment as claimed in claim 1; and a cape having acape body adapted for wear over an exterior surface of the back; firstand second shoulder bands extending from the cape body, the first andsecond shoulder bands including fasteners configured for selectivelyfastening the first and second shoulder bands to the exterior of thefront; and first and second waist band portions extending in oppositedirections from the cape body, the first and second waist band portionsincluding fasteners configured for selectively fastening to the exteriorof the front.
 3. A garment system as claimed in claim 2, wherein thecape body includes a pocket configured for receiving a thermal pack. 4.A garment system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first and secondwaist band portions each include an upper waist band portion and a lowerwaist band portion, the upper and lower waist band portions eachincluding a fastener for selectively fastening to the exterior of thefront of the garment.
 5. A garment system, comprising: a garment havinga front and a back, the garment being configured for wear on a wearer'storso, the front including first and second front portions that arereceptive to hook and loop fasteners; a first strap connected to aninterior of the front and configured to pass over a first shoulder ofthe wearer when the garment is worn, the first strap extendingdiagonally at the interior of the back to a first opening in thegarment, the first strap extending through the first opening and beingselectively fastenable on the first front portion; a liner comprising afirst portion defining a first passageway on an interior of the garmentand extending from a top front interior to a top back interior of thefirst shoulder portion, the first passageway defining a first openinginto the first passageway at the back of the garment, the first strapextending through the first passageway and extending out of the firstopening; a second strap connected to an interior of the front andconfigured to pass over a second shoulder of the wearer when the garmentis worn, the second strap extending diagonally at the interior of theback to a second opening in the garment, the second strap extendingthrough the second opening and being selectively fastenable on thesecond front portion; a liner comprising a second portion defining asecond passageway on an interior of the garment and extending from afront interior to a top back interior of the second shoulder portion,the second passageway defining a second opening into the secondpassageway at the back of the garment, the second strap extendingthrough the second passageway and extending out of the second opening; acape including: a cape body configured for positioning on an exteriorsurface of the back of the garment; first and second shoulder bandsextending from the cape body, the first and second shoulder bandsincluding fasteners for selectively fastening the first and secondshoulder bands to the receptive portions on an exterior of the front ofthe garment; and first and second waist band portions extending inopposite directions from the cape body, the first and second waist bandportions including fasteners for selectively fastening to the receptiveportions on the exterior of the front of the garment, wherein the capeapplies tension to the garment when the cape and garment are worn by awearer.
 6. A garment system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the cape bodyincludes a pocket.
 7. A garment system as claimed in claim 5, whereinthe first and second waist band portions each include an upper waistband portion and a lower waist band portion, the upper and lower waistband portions each including a fastener for selectively fastening to theexterior of the front of the garment.